Yemen's Houthis Claim Missile and Drone Strikes on Saudi Energy Sites

Yemen's Houthi forces launched drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline and an oil facility in the port city of Yanbu. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree stated that a drone hit Pumping Station Number 7 on the pipeline while a ballistic missile struck the Yanbu facility. Saree claimed these operations were successful alongside two other strikes aimed at a Saudi airport and an airbase near the Yemeni border.

Further Attacks

The group also launched a drone at state-run oil company Saudi Aramco in Riyadh, though no damage was reported. This follows a previous incident on Sunday when a skyscraper belonging to the oil giant was hit by falling shrapnel. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis announced it intercepted multiple incoming drones and ballistic missiles between Wednesday night and Thursday, including one drone in the Riyadh region, another in the country's east, two ballistic missiles targeting western Saudi Arabia, and two drones destroyed in the south and near Mecca. Saudi civil defence reported that missile debris fell in the village of Sabouha, located about 35 kilometres from Mecca, though the Houthis have consistently denied targeting the holy cities.

Context

The East-West pipeline carries immense importance for Saudi Arabia by allowing crude oil to reach markets after Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing West Asia war. Since fighting resumed in July, Saudi energy infrastructure, airports, and military sites have faced regular attacks from the Houthi movement.